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Technology strategist &amp; full-stack web developer

Danny Penrose

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How to Maximise Your Learning Potential with an Online Web Development Course

<h2>What is Clean Architecture?</h2>
First things first &#8211; this is an introduction to clean architecture aimed at new software/web developers. If you already have a basic understanding then you won&#8217;t get any value from reading this post.
Are you looking to build a resilient, maintainable software solution on the .NET Core platform? Consider adopting the clean architecture pattern to do so. In this blog post, we&#8217;ll explore what clean architecture is and why it&#8217;s important, as well as its benefits and how it can be applied on .NET Core.
Let&#8217;s dive in!
Clean Architecture is a software design approach that aims to create a modular and maintainable code base. It achieves this by organising the various concerns of an application into distinct layers or modules, with the most general, abstract concerns at the core and the more specific, concrete concerns at the outer layers. This separation of concerns helps create a clear separation of responsibilities within the code base, and makes it easier to modify or extend the application without affecting the core functionality. To support this modular design, Clean Architecture relies on dependency inversion and interface-based design, which decouples the different layers of the application and makes it easier to test and maintain.
The ultimate goal of Clean Architecture is to create a code base that is easy to understand, modify, and evolve over time.
<h2>Overview of the benefits of using Clean Architecture in .NET Core development</h2>
There are several benefits to using Clean Architecture in .NET Core development:
Improved code quality and maintainability: Clean Architecture helps create a clear separation of concerns within the code base, which makes it easier to understand and maintain the code over time. It also promotes the use of dependency inversion and interface-based design, which helps decouple the different layers of the application and makes it easier to test and maintain.
Enhanced flexibility and scalability: Clean Architecture makes it easier to modify or extend the application without affecting the core functionality. This allows developers to make changes to the application more quickly and easily, and also makes it easier to scale the application as the needs of the business change.
Better testability: The modular design of Clean Architecture makes it easier to write unit tests for individual components of the application. This helps ensure the application is reliable and performs well.
Improved code reuse: The separation of concerns promoted by Clean Architecture makes it easier to reuse code across different parts of the application. This can help save time and resources during development.
Enhanced developer productivity: The clear separation of concerns and modular design of Clean Architecture can make it easier for developers to understand the code base and work on it effectively. This can help increase developer productivity and improve the efficiency of the development process.
<h2>The principles of Clean Architecture</h2>
Here are some key principles of clean architecture:
Framework Independence: Clean Architecture can be applied to any system, regardless of programming language or libraries used. Layers are designed to function independently, without relying on external dependencies.
Testability: Pure functions, classes, and modules are easier to predict and test
Each module, including UI, database, and API connections, can be tested individually.
Modular User Interface: UI can change without disrupting the entire system, and the
UI layer is designed to be replaced without affecting the rest of the system.
Flexible Database Support: Multiple data sources and instances of the same data source can be used, all of which will support various databases, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Redis
External Element Integration: Easy to connect to external libraries, systems, and elements in a modular way
<h2>Best Practices for Implementing Clean Architecture in .NET Core</h2>
Here is a general outline for implementing Clean Architecture in .NET Core:
<ol>
<li>Identify the core concerns of your application: The first step in implementing Clean Architecture is to identify the core concerns of your application. This will help you determine the structure of your code base and the layers that you will need to create.</li>
<li>Create the core layer: The core layer should contain the most general, abstract concerns of your application. This could include business rules, domain models, and interfaces.</li>
<li>Create the interface adapters: The interface adapters layer should contain the code that handles communication between the core layer and the outside world. This could include controllers, view models, and database repositories.</li>
<li>Create the infrastructure layer: The infrastructure layer should contain the concrete, specific implementations of the interfaces defined in the core layer. This could include databases, HTTP clients, and other external dependencies.</li>
<li>Test your code: It&#8217;s important to thoroughly test your code as you go to ensure it is working as expected. You should write unit tests for each layer of your application to ensure it is functioning correctly.</li>
<li>Refactor as needed: As you work on your application, you may need to refactor your code to improve its structure and maintainability. This could involve reorganising your code base or updating the dependencies between different layers.</li>
<li>Continuously integrate and deploy: As you develop your application, it&#8217;s important to continuously integrate and deploy your code to ensure it is always in a deployable state. This will help you catch and fix issues early on, and ensure your code is always of high quality.</li>
</ol>
One key tip for organising your code base and following the principles of Clean Architecture is to clearly define the boundaries between the different layers of your application. This can help ensure that each layer has a well-defined responsibility and clear separation of concerns between the layers.
Another tip is to use dependency injection to manage the dependencies between different components of your application. This can help decouple the different layers of your code base and make it easier to test and maintain.
As we&#8217;ve previously discussed, it&#8217;s arguably most important to follow the principle of separation of concerns when organising your code base. This means separating different concerns into distinct modules or layers, rather than mixing them together. For example, you might have separate modules for business logic, data access, and UI concerns.
Finally, it&#8217;s a good idea to prioritise code readability and maintainability when organising your code base. This can help other developers understand and work on your code, and improve the quality of your application.
<h2>Common pitfalls to avoid when implementing Clean Architecture in .NET Core</h2>
Unsurprisingly, one of the most common pitfalls to avoid when implementing Clean Architecture in .NET Core is neglecting the separation of concerns between the different layers of the application. It&#8217;s important to ensure that each layer has a well-defined responsibility and that there is clear separation of concerns between the layers. Neglecting this separation can lead to a code base that is difficult to understand and maintain.
Another pitfall to avoid is failing to properly manage dependencies between different components of the application. It&#8217;s important to use dependency injection and other techniques to decouple the different layers of the code base and make it easier to test and maintain.
A third pitfall to avoid is over-engineering the application. While it&#8217;s important to follow the principles of Clean Architecture, it&#8217;s also important to avoid going overboard and adding unnecessary complexity to the code base. This can make the code base more difficult to understand and maintain, and can also slow down the development process.
Finally, it&#8217;s important to avoid neglecting the importance of testing when implementing Clean Architecture in .NET Core. It&#8217;s essential to thoroughly test your code at all stages of development to ensure it is working as expected and that any issues are caught and addressed early on.
<h2>Real-World Examples of Clean Architecture in .NET Core Applications</h2>
Here are a few examples of how Clean Architecture has been used in real-world.NET Core applications:
<ol>
<li>An e-learning platform used Clean Architecture to build a web application for delivering online courses. The core layer contained the domain models and business rules for the courses, the interface adapters layer contained the controllers and view models for the web application, and the infrastructure layer contained the code for accessing the database and other external dependencies.</li>
<li>A sports organisation used Clean Architecture to build a web application for managing player statistics and team schedules. The core layer contained the domain models and business rules for the application, the interface adapters layer contained the controllers and view models for the web application, and the infrastructure layer contained the code for accessing the database and other external dependencies.</li>
<li>A transportation company used Clean Architecture to build a dispatch system for managing their fleet of vehicles. The core layer contained the domain models and business rules for the dispatch system, the interface adapters layer contained the controllers and view models for the web application, and the infrastructure layer contained the code for accessing the database and other external dependencies.</li>
</ol>
In each of these examples, Clean Architecture was used to create a modular and maintainable code base that was easy to understand and modify over time. It helped create a clear separation of concerns within the code base, and made it easier to test and maintain the different components of the application.
<h2>Additional resources</h2>
Various open source solutions and frameworks are available to help developers start clean architecture in .NET Core. One such example, and one I&#8217;ve been using for a couple of years, is <a href="https://github.com/jasontaylordev/CleanArchitecture" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jason Taylor&#8217;s Clean Architecture Solution Template</a>, which also provides detailed instructions on implementing a clean architecture in an application, as well as best practices when it comes to separating concerns between layers and managing dependencies between components.
<a href="https://fullstackhero.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Fullstackhero boilerplates</a> offer clean, well-structured code, following clean architecture principles and coding practices for the best development experience. All packages and services are kept up-to-date, ensuring the latest standards are being used. Furthermore, senior developers review each boilerplate to ensure its quality and accuracy. This provides users with a reliable source of top-notch code that can be quickly implemented in their projects. The clean architecture also ensures that any future changes or updates to the project can be easily handled with minimal effort and disruption to workflow.
One great resource to better understand clean architecture is <a href="https://jasontaylor.dev/clean-architecture-getting-started/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jason&#8217;s website</a>, where he provides a detailed walk-through of his clean architecture principles and implementation methods. The clean architecture framework is sometimes referred to as the &#8216;Onion Architecture&#8217;. <a href="https://code-maze.com/onion-architecture-in-aspnetcore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article on the &#8216;Onion Architecture&#8217;</a> offers further insight into clean architecture, providing an in-depth look at its benefits in terms of scalability and extensibility.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
Clean Architecture is a software design approach that helps create modular and maintainable code bases. Its ultimate purpose is to make the code base easier to understand, modify, and evolve over time.
There are many advantages of utilising Clean Architecture in.NET Core development, such as increased code quality and maintainability, improved flexibility and scalability, better testability, optimised reusability of the code, as well as enhanced developer productivity. The core principles of clean architecture include framework independence (it can be used with any system), testability (classes &amp; functions can easily be tested), flexible user interface layer which can be replaced without affecting other parts of the system. Furthermore, it supports multiple data sources &amp; databases, plus it simplifies integration with external elements like libraries or other systems.
To use clean architecture in .NET Core: first identify core app concerns → then create the core layer → afterwards build up the interface adapters → lastly establish infrastructure layer → don’t forget to constantly check your work by testing!
By using clean architecture in web development projects, developers can create applications that are much more resilient to change and offer greater flexibility when incorporating new features or technologies in future updates. As such, clean architecture is incredibly popular among modern day developers looking for reliable ways to create robust applications that can stand the test of time.

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An Introduction to Clean Architecture in .NET Core

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Introduction to Obsidian and Zettelkasten Note-Taking Methods</h2>



Are you ready to become an organisation wizard?



Zettelkasten is the perfect solution for anyone who needs a better way to organise their notes. <a href="https://zettelkasten.de/introduction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zettelkasten</a> is a unique method of note taking that involves creating individual notes that link back to each other to create an overall structure. This results in a comprehensive set of notes that are all connected in some way. By utilising this method, I can easily draw connections between different topics and ideas, while simultaneously maintaining structure within my notes. <a href="https://obsidian.md/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Obsidian</a> makes it easier than ever for me to quickly and efficiently organise my thoughts.
Work smarter, not harder, with a note taking system specifically designed for maximum productivity. Stop wasting precious time trying to make sense of disorganised notes and create an efficient workflow that will help you accomplish your goals faster. It really is possible –all thanks to Zettelkasten!



If you want to take your note-taking game to the next level and make the most of Obsidian and Zettelkasten, I&#8217;m here to help. In this article, I&#8217;ll share expert tips and best practices that have helped me create my personal knowledge system. Through automated strategies, smart tagging techniques and revising systems, you can achieve maximum productivity with ease by organising and controlling your notes effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Practices for Connecting Notes with the Zettelkasten Method</h2>



With the Zettelkasten Method, I&#8217;ve learned how connecting and organising notes can maximise productivity. One of the best practices for connecting notes using the Zettelkasten Method is developing a consistent and structured system. This system should include a standardised approach to writing notes that is easily replicated, as well as labels or tags that can be used to group related notes together.



When it comes to actual note taking, I like to use the “atomic” note taking approach to ensure that my notes are as structured and organised as possible. This involves breaking down a concept into its smallest parts, and then connecting them through links or references. By doing this, I can quickly connect one idea to another with ease.



Tagging is also an important part of the Zettelkasten Method. I typically use a few broad tags that are easy to remember and can be used to group related notes together. This way, I can quickly sort through my notes and find the information I need, without having to search for individual notes. Read more about tagging notes in the next section.



It&#8217;s important to develop a system for regularly reviewing and revising notes. This can help ensure that the information in your notes is up-to-date and relevant, while also allowing you to identify potential issues or areas of improvement.



By following these best practices for connecting notes with the Zettelkasten Method, you’ll be able to quickly and efficiently organise your thoughts while maintaining structure within your notes. Whether it’s through automated strategies, smart tagging systems or revising notes regularly, Obsidian and Zettelkasten will help you stay on top of all the information you need. With a little practice and guidance, you can unlock the power of Obsidian and transform your ideas into actionable plans without difficulty!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Use Tags in Obsidian for Improved Organization</h2>



Organisation is key to success, and for those who want to take their note-taking game to the next level, Obsidian is the perfect tool. One of the most powerful tools available in Obsidian is tagging &#8211; a method that allows users to easily group related notes together.



When tagging notes in Obsidian, it’s important to consider a few key points when using the Zettelkasten Method. Firstly, it’s essential to develop a consistent and structured system for tagging notes, which should include labels or tags that are easy to remember and can be used to group related notes together. This ensures you can quickly sort through your notes and find the information you need, without having to search for individual notes.



Another important aspect of note-tagging is consistency. All tags should be consistent throughout the entire note-taking process, so that all related topics and ideas are easily interconnected. This can be achieved by using broad categories or “labels” across all your notes, making sure that all related topics are placed under one label or tag.



Finally, it’s important to regularly review and revise any existing notes. This ensures that all information stored in your notes is up-to-date and relevant, while also allowing you to identify potential issues or areas of improvement within your note structure.



By following these best practices for tagging notes in Obsidian with the Zettelkasten Method, you can quickly organise your thoughts while maintaining structure within your notes. Through smart automation (which I&#8217;ll cover in the next section), tagging techniques and regular reviews, you can stay organised with maximum efficiency!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Automation Strategies for Efficient Note-Taking Using Obsidian</h2>



Automation strategies can help streamline and optimise your workflow. By automating specific tasks, you can reduce mistakes, save time, and increase efficiency. Automating mundane tasks can also free you up to focus on more complex and rewarding work. Automation leads to greater accuracy, fewer errors, and improved workflows.



Here are just a few automation strategies I use in my Obsidian &amp; Zettelkasten workflow. Do let me know if you have anything to add.



1. Automating note link creation, so that when you type a certain keyword, it instantly generates a link to the target note.



2. Semi-automating tag creation, so that all your notes with similar topics can easily be found.



3. Automating text expansion shortcuts, so that common phrases or words can be quickly typed out with just a few keystrokes.



4. Automating search queries, so that you can quickly find related notes without having to manually browse through them all individually.



Automating links and keywords in Obsidian is quite easy. First, you will need to install the smart links plugin. This allows automatic linking between notes when certain keywords are used. I am semi-automating tag creation using the &#8216;Formatter Tag Suggest&#8217; plugin, but I am considering creating a plugin or custom script to fully automate this by searching for keywords, which I&#8217;ll share once complete.



I use Alfred as a replacement for Spotlight on my Mac, and use the &#8216;Snippets&#8217; feature of this app to auto expand text. This allows me to quickly input strings of text with just a few clicks, and using this in combination with the Obsidian templating system is incredibly powerful.



Finally, you can automate search queries in the future by performing a search, then clicking the star icon and&#8217;star/unstar the current search&#8217;. This can then be access and instantly accessed later via the &#8220;stared tab&#8221;.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Techniques for Revising and Refining Your Notes</h2>



Regularly revising and refining your notes is beneficial for a few reasons. Firstly, it helps keep your notes organised, as you can clean up messy content or outdated information. Secondly, it allows you to dive deeper into your notes by adding more detail or annotations. Additionally, revising and refining your notes can help you recall information more easily, as the content will be organised in a way that facilitates understanding. Finally, it helps develop better study habits, as it encourages analytical thinking and efficient note-taking.



Common techniques for revising and refining notes include organising them into sections or categories, rereading notes after a few days to check for accuracy, discarding unnecessary details, checking that all relevant facts are included and accurate, adding annotations or highlighting important points, and using visual aids. Less common techniques include creating summary sheets that condense the main points of your notes, paraphrasing difficult concepts to make them easier to understand (Zettelkasten literature notes), summarising key arguments or ideas in one sentence, grouping related topics together to make connections clearer, and writing summaries after each study session.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Obsidian and Zettelkasten are the Perfect Combo for Organized Note-Taking</h2>



Obsidian and Zettelkasten are the perfect combination for organised note-taking, as they offer an efficient system for organising and storing notes. By using Obsidian, a markdown editor and note-taking tool, you can easily create interconnected notes with links to other pages. This allows you to quickly and efficiently access related topics and view their notes in a larger context. Additionally, Obsidian allows you to take full advantage of Zettelkasten, a note-taking method that encourages users to create individual thoughts and ideas as separate entries. This makes it easy to form relationships between ideas, as they are contained in a single file, rather than scattered across multiple documents. The combination of Obsidian and Zettelkasten offers an effective way to take notes that are both organised and accessible.



I hope you found this overview helpful. I appreciate it was broad, and I haven&#8217;t gone into any great detail regarding my own workflow. However, I plan to do future articles sharing my own strategies in more detail, along with Obsidian specific tutorials.

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